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Olsalazine

Pronounced

"ohl-SAL-uh-zeen"

Common brand names:

Dipentum

Uses

Olsalazine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. It does not cure ulcerative colitis, but it may decrease symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling of the colon/rectum. After an attack is treated, olsalazine is used to increase the amount of time between attacks.

Olsalazine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by blocking the production of certain natural substances (such as prostaglandins) that may cause pain and swelling.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for another type of bowel disease called Crohn's disease.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day about 12 hours apart. Take with food or after meals to prevent stomach upset. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.